Apple Tradition Continues at Graduation

On the first day of kindergarten, Westfield students create a wooden apple on a string. Bringing the art project home, students are asked to hold onto the memento for 13 years, to wear around their necks as they march to their graduation from the Westfield school system.

The tradition is called for to allow students to remember the first day of school as they depart the school system. While not every student last night wore an apple; some came in to the public schools later in their education career and others could not locate the memento. Those who did participate said they enjoyed continuing the tradition.

"I think it is a good tradition," graduating senior Dennis Elwell said. "It brings back memories of the first day of kindergarten."

The apples allowed for a spirited debate amongst students over which elementary school has the best apples. The graduates had a chance to defend their part of Westfield as they moved towards the next step of their lives.

"Washington School has the best apples," graduating senior Jacob Shiffman said.